Expert: Dean Dryer - 6/15/2009

Question
Dean,

My daughter is working to get her press handstand in preparation for the upcoming TOPS testing.  She archs her lower back as she approaches vertical.  How does the body position of the head affect this skill?  She tends to lift it out, in what I believe is to compensate for a weak forward lean at the shoulder.  What can I do to help her with this?

Answer
Marci,

There are several factors likely at work here. (Although it is difficult to be certain without actually seeing her do her press)

1) You are probably right about her head, she should be encouraged to keep it more neutral while she is pressing.

2) It is also possible that she is a bit weak in the shoulder, so she is trying to open her body early and arch into the handstand.

3) She is probably not lifting her rear end high enough before she opens for the handstand.

The drill I use to solve these problems is called a half-press.
You start in a straddle stand with your hands out in front. You rise up on tip-toes and drag your feet as close to your hands as you can get them. Then you lift your toes (absolutely NO jumping or you won't get the benefit) about 2 inches off the ground and hold it (either as long as you can or 3 sec. whichever comes first).

This drill is good shoulder conditioning, and it solves the 2 body position problems, because it is much easier to do correctly in the right position.

Hope that helps,

Dean Dryer